Softball: Scouting the Fox Valley
Bartlett HawksCoach: Jim Wolfsmith (12th year, 275-125-3)
Conference: Upstate Eight Valley
2014 record: 27-8 (15-4 UEC Valley)
Top returning athletes: Katie Fornoff (Jr., 2B), Alyssa Nowak (Jr., 1B), Elyse Hickey (So., 1B/3B), Danielle Kirby (Jr., P), Lauren Janczak (Sr., CF/SS), Suzie Miceli (Sr., C/OF), Sarah Schmitz (Sr., 3B).
Top newcomers: Amber Pagan (Fr., P/SS), Nina Pavell (Jr., OF), Sydney Quagliano (Jr., OF).
Season outlook: The Hawks are coming off another strong season and despite the loss of five starters to graduation, there's plenty of offensive production returning with Katie Fornoff (. 405, 12 RBI, 13 SBs), Alyssa Nowak (. 366, 4 HRs, 26 RBI) and Lauren Janczak (. 306). Pitching will be a question mark as senior Danielle Kirby returns from injury after pitching just 12 innings last season behind seniors Holly Pagan and Amy Johnson. Coach Jim Wolfsmith, though, says Kirby could be, "one of the best pitchers in the conference." He also predicts sophomore Elyse Hickey will be one of the best hitters in the UEC Valley. "We graduated a ton of talent to college," Wolfsmith said. "Many played on our 2012 state team and include our No 1 pitcher and catcher. Team inexperience may show early with tough games in Tennessee and in the conference. Katie and Alyssa take the lead of this young team as third-year varsity players. Elyse Hickey may be one of the best young talents around. The team will be centered around pitching, defense and fundamentals. It's a great group of girls that are already bonding together for the season to come."
Burlington Central RocketsCoach: Kyle Molik (1st year)
Conference: Big Northern East
2014 record: 23-10 (10-2 BN-East)
Top returning athletes: Kassi Gaylord (Sr., 1B), Amanda Ratliff (Sr., OF), Courtni Neubauer (Sr., SS/OF), Emily Kisch (Jr., P/OF), Kelly Wiater (Jr., C/INF), Kristina Ahlers (So., INF/OF).
Top newcomers: Ashley Ratliff (So., P), Gretchen Strubbe (So., C/INF), Alyssa Mish (Sr., OF/1B), Jill Neisendorf (Jr., INF).
Season outlook: Kyle Molik, an Elgin High graduate who played basketball and baseball for the Maroons, takes over one of the most successful programs in the Fox Valley area, and he has sufficient talent returning to keep the program at a high level. That talent starts in the circle with junior Emily Kisch, who was 9-4 last season in helping the Rockets to a regional championship. She also hit .357 with 2 homers, 20 RBI and 7 doubles. Seniors Kassi Gaylord (. 351, 5 HRs, 27 RBI), Courtni Neubauer (. 482, 23 SBs) and Amanda Ratliff, along with junior Kelly Wiater and sophomore Kristina Ahlers also have extensive varsity experience "We expect to compete for a conference championship and while building on last year's success," Molik said, noting perennial power Marengo as well as Genoa-Kingston will be the roadblocks to a conference title. "We will use our games against 4A schools, and our conference opponents, to play against great competition that will allow us to compete for a regional championship." Some of those early-season tests will come against St. Charles East, Waubonsie Valley and Libertyville as well as in a tournament at West Aurora. "We have one of the top pitchers in the area returning to lead our team along with multiple girls who have varsity experience," Molik said. "To reach our goals we have to get the girls comfortable playing positions that are not their first choice but they are fully capable of playing due to their athleticism."
Cary-Grove TrojansCoach: Tammy Olson (22nd year, 415-268)
Conference: Fox Valley Valley
2014 record: 19-13 (7-5 FVC Valley)
Top returning athletes: Grace Pilz (Sr., C), Caitlyn Adams (Sr., 3B/P), Amanda DeGroote (Sr., P), Sarah Pupura (Sr., OF), Rachel Langer (Sr., OF), Brianne Prank (Jr., 1B).
Top newcomers: Alyssa Gurgone (So, SS), Colleen Kaveney (So., OF).
Season outlook: The Trojans lost a fair amount of their offense to the graduations of players such as Jamie Deering, Lisa Semro and Amy Clemment but they do return an all-area catcher in senior Grace Pilz (. 382, 1 HR, 23 RBI) and an all-conference third baseman in Caitlyn Adams (. 378), who will share pitching duties with senior Amanda DeGroote (7-7, 3.26 ERA). Junior 1B Brianne Prank (. 347, 4 HRs, 30 RBI) brings some power back to the lineup. "We should be very competitive this year with six returning starters and two returning pitchers," said Trojans' coach Tammy Olson, the dean of Fox Valley area coaches who also noted McHenry is the team to beat in the FVC Valley. "Adams and DeGroote both got varsity innings last year and we're looking for good things from them. Our battery is solid and we're thrilled to have Prank back at first base. The outfield will change some and our freshmen are very inexperienced. We have a lot of JV kids but not many on varsity starting out. We'll see how the season develops. The kids we have back have some experience and they're all good players."
CL South GatorsCoach: Scott Busam (11th year)
Conference: Fox Valley Valley
2014 record: 15-12 (6-6 FVC Valley)
Top returning athletes: Kim Woods (Sr., OF), Caitlin Fater (Sr., C), Jenica Terry (Sr., OF), Hailee Massie (Sr., P/OF/1B), Lauren Gauger (Sr., 3B), Eve Perdikaris (Sr., 3B), Taylor Doppke (Sr., OF), Brookelynn Maddox (Jr., 1B), Taylor Kassel (Jr., INF), Samantha Burgard (So., P).
Top newcomers: Brittany Baker (So., INF/OF), Carly Chovanec (Fr., INF/OF/C).
Season outlook: The Gators return a plethora of senior experience this season and hope to use that to contend for the FVC Valley title. Seven seniors return including pitcher Hailee Massie, who logged 101 innings last spring while also hitting .299 with 17 RBI. Also back are OF Kim Woods (. 344, 21 RBI), catcher Caitlin Fater (. 323, 16 RBI), OF Jenica Terry (. 389, 17 RBI). Juniors Brookelynn Maddox (. 357) and Taylor Kassel (. 360, 22 RBI) add to the experience as does sophomore Sam Burgard, who went 9-2 in the circle last year. "This year's team is senior-led," said CLS coach Scott Busam. "We hope to compete for the Valley title and advance to the regional final. We have a few pitchers, all capable of competing, and a solid defensive group. How hard they are willing to work will really dictate our level of success. The coaching staff believes we have a really competitive team - the players need to believe it too."
Dundee-Crown ChargersCoach: Tracy Beatty (8th year)
Conference: Fox Valley Valley
2014 record: 4-17-1 (0-12 FVC Valley)
Top returning athletes: Casey Weeks (Sr., 1B), Lauren Girard (Sr., P), Rachel Chiopek (Sr., C), Megan Emerson (So, OF), Jessica McVicker (So., SS).
Top newcomers: Claire Weeks (Fr., C), Sydney Ruggles (Fr., P), Deanna Origer (Fr., SS), Andrea Conway (Sr., 2B).
Season outlook: The Chargers return five players with varsity experience from last year including senior P Lauren Girardi (78 IP, .362 BA, 8 RBI) and sophomore OF Megan Emerson (. 435, 21 RBI). Also back with experience are senior 1B Casey Weeks (. 304, 10 RBI), senior catcher Rachel Chiopek (. 488) and sophomore SS Jessica McVicker (. 320, 8 RBI). "Dundee-Crown softball has worked hard in the weight room and all off-season workouts," said Chargers' coach Tracy Beatty, "We are going to have a strong defense and I see us being aggressive in the batters box, I have to two pitchers who throw hard and consistent and we want to play as a team and improve with every game."
Elgin MaroonsCoach: Dr. Nick Bumbales (2nd year)
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2014 record: 14-19 (9-10 UEC River)
Top returning athletes: Jessica Rago (Jr., P/OF), Destiny West (Sr., 1B/OF), Sabrina Stockman (Sr., SS/P), Jenna Lombardo (Sr., 2B/SS/P), Madison Latham (Jr., C/INF), Jemiyah Stewart (Jr., 3B/SS), Paige Walker (Jr., INF/OF).
Top newcomers: Rachel Turner (Jr., OF), Cassidy Sell (So., 1B/OF), Ayanna Herrera (Jr., INF/OF), Emily Villagomez (Jr., P/OF), Bre Tinder (Sr., INF), Michelle Villagomez (Sr., INF), Emma Conn (Sr., INF), Nichole Ahrens (Jr., 2B/OF), Marisol Luevano (Jr., INF/OF), Alyssa Frey (Jr., INF), Emily Aguilar (Jr., INF/OF).
Season outlook: The Maroons lost a ton of varsity experience with the graduation of players such as Jennah Perryman, Kelly Bremer and Anna Eckholm but they do return a fair amount of experience from last year's team that was competitive in the UEC River. Junior Jessica Rago was 8-11 in the circle last season and hit .363 with 5 HRs and 30 RBI). Others back who performed well last year include senior 1B/OF Destiny West (. 328, 10 RBI), senior SS/P Sabrinda Stockman (. 293, 12 RBI) and senior 2B/SS/P Jenna Lombardo (. 290). "Even though we lost three players that the program could never replace I believe that we are a deeper team than we were a year ago," said coach Dr. Nick Bumbales. "I feel that hitting will still be one of the team's strengths, especially with runners In scoring position, Pitching and fielding will tell the tale for the team this year, As always, the quicker the younger players come along, the better the team will be. Cassidy Sell and Ayanna Herrera are expected to provide needed hitting support. We hope to be competitive in the Upstate Eight River and finish behind prohibitive favorites St. Charles East and St. Charles North."
Hampshire Whip-PursCoach: Stacey Stepek (3rd year, 32-33)
Conference: Fox Valley Fox
2014 record: 21-14 (10-2 FVC Fox co-champs)
Top returning athletes: Haley Widmayer (Sr., P/2B), Renee Malecke (So., 2B/OF), Aly Snider (Jr., C/SS), Ellie Lapi (Jr., 3B/C), Peyton DeChant (So., SS/C).
Top newcomers: Lauren Egger (So., SS/C/3B), Emily Williamson (Jr., C/SS/P), Joslyn Nelson (Jr., P/INF/OF), Rae Ann Shank (So., 3B/OF/P).
Season outlook: The Whip-Purs are coming off one of their best seasons in a decade, one that culminated with the co-championship of the FVC Fox. But graduated from that team are all-area SS Sara Finn, among others, so there are some holes to fill. One of those won't be in the circle, where senior Haley Widmayer (19-11, 3.27 ERA, 230 Ks, 192 IP, .402 BA, 9 2Bs, 29 RBI). Also back is sophomore Peyton DeChant (. 529, 10 HRs, 51 RBI), who committed to Loyola over the winter and junior Aly Snider (. 372, 3 HRs, 40 RBI). The Whips will be without sophomore 2B/OF Erin Doyle, who will miss the season with a torn ACL. "I'm expecting the five returnees to do just as well as last year if not better," said Whips' coach Stacey Stepek, who has announced this will be her last season as she's moving to Arizona to teach and coach. "They've been leading the way for the newcomers. We just need a couple games outside to get the up to the speed of the pitching and the speed of the varsity game. The nice part of this group is that we have several girls who can play three positions and I have three girls who can pitch so we have some flexibility with our lineup. We've got quality catchers and we have speed and good gloves in the outfield, which is something we've struggled with in the past, Time and experience will be key for us and seeing what rotation and lineup will work best with these girls." One of Stepek's new assistants this season is former South Elgin star Caitlin Stredde, who recently graduated from McKendree University where she played four years.
Huntley Red RaidersCoach: Mark Petryniec (12th year, 202-181)
Conference: Fox Valley Valley
2014 record: 20-17 (7-5 FVC Valley)
Top returning athletes: Shannon Walsh (Sr., OF), Jessica Shields (Jr., OF), Haley Spannraft (Sr., SS/P), Megan Baczewski (Jr, 3B), Kateri Conklin (So., P), Megan Larson (Sr., 1B), Jessica Knutsen (Sr., C), Katelyn Behrens (Sr., OF), Hayley O'Mara (Jr., 2B).
Top newcomers: Kara Calder (Sr., INF), Caitlin Brown (So., INF), Tiffany Giese (Fr., OF/P), Autumn Kasal (Fr., INF).
Season outlook: The Red Raiders return seven starters from a 20-win team including seniors Shannon Walsh (. 425, 33 SBs), Haley Spannraft (. 405, 17 RBI), Megan Larson (. 366, 8 HRs, 33 RBI), Jessica Knutsen (. 978 fielding average, 14 of 26 runners thrown out stealing) and Katelyn Behrens (. 286). Also back are juniors Jessica Shields (. 424, 25 RBI) and Megan Baczewski (. 398, 4 HRs, 29 RBI) and sophomore pitcher Kateri Conklin (10-10, 3.15 ERA, .393 BA). "We have many players with a lot of varsity experience, said Raiders' coach Mark Petryniec. "The players have a tremendous work ethic and came into the preseason ready to compete. We have depth at every position this season which should make us competitive pitching fielding and hitting. We batted .369 as a team last season with 24 home runs and 244 runs scored. We are looking to improve those numbers. We are focusing a lot of our attention on improving our defense this season. We feel if we cut down on our defensive miscues we will be more competitive in close ballgames." Conklin was able to get significant pitching time as a freshman. "Kateri is ready to return for her second season on varsity and improve on her 10-10 record," said Petryniec. "With a full season under her belt we are counting on Kateri to lead our pitching staff. Our goal for the season is to improve every day and each game. If our pitching, hitting and fielding come together we will be a very competitive team to play against this season."
Jacobs Golden EaglesCoach: Katie O'Brien (1st year)
Conference: Fox Valley Valley
2014 record: 17-14 (3-9 FVC Valley)
Top returning athletes: Taylor Belo (Sr., OF), Sarah Murray (Jr., SS), Emily Borg (Jr., 1B), Teaghan Richman (Jr., P/DP).
Top newcomers: Alexis Addante (So., P), Kerri Healy (Fr., C/INF).
Season outlook: The Golden Eagles may have a new head coach this season but she's far from new to the program. Katie O'Brien, a 2006 Jacobs grad who played Division I softball at Dayton and has been Jeremy Bauer's assistant coach the past three seasons, takes over the reigns after Bauer led the Eagles to 248 wins and a sectional championship in 11 years before becoming the school's athletic director. "He never said it but I think he always felt like he was grooming me to take over," said O'Brien. "He showed me the little pieces along the way and I just want to make him proud. He's like a big brother to me." O'Brien, who will be assisted by her brother Kevin, says being the head coach is showing her a different side of the coaching profession. "It's a different perspective, not just being in charge of one practice but knowing what's going on a all the practices," she said. "It's fun making sure they're all learning and having fun." On the field, the Golden Eagles are coming off a winning season overall but a subpar campaign in the FVC Valley. They do return some experience and it starts with senior Taylor Belo (. 312, 2 HRs, 12 RBI), the last remaining player who was on varsity for Jacobs' 2012 sectional title. Also back are juniors Sarah Murray (. 326, 1 HR, 14 RBI), Emily Borg (. 392, 8 HRs, 27 RBI) and sophomore Teaghan Richman, who will share pitching duties with sophomore Alexis Addante. "As a team we would like to improve on our conference record last year and finish with another overall winning season," O'Brien said. "Bauer created a culture of success by having 11 consecutive winning seasons, and our goa is to continue that tradition."
Larkin RoyalsCoach: Anne Vogt (4th year, 10-80)
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2014 record: 4-26 (2-16 UEC River)
Top returning athletes: Sam Wahl (Jr., OF), Sarah Hansen (Sr., P), Sophie Young (So., C/3B), Emily Rojo (So., P), Beka Harrington (Sr., 2B/C).
Top newcomers: Haley Bohne (Fr., C/SS).
Season outlook: While the Royals have struggled for wins on the field in recent years, the teaching opportunities and enthusiasm on the part of their coach, Larkin alum Anne Vogt, has never wavered. "This could be one of the most talented Larkin teams on my four years at Larkin," Vogt said. "Preseason hard work and dedication will determine how intense the Royals are when we take the field. Our coaching staff is pushing hard for intensity and hustle at all times. We are looking to sneak some wins in on pure focus and hustle." Vogt does have some experience returning, especially in the middle with senior P Sarah Hansen, sophomore C Sophie Young and senior 2B Beka Harrington, as well as senior OF Sam Wahl. Vogt is assisted this season by Larkin alums Kiley (Holtz) Ross and Alisia Perez-Follman.
St. Edward Green WaveCoach: Jaci Corn (5th year, 59-57)
Conference: Metro Suburban West
2014 record: 18-13 (8-8 Suburban Christian Blue)
Top returning athletes: Lindsay Zdroik (Jr., P/1B/OF), Ryann Scully (Sr., Utility), Allison Stratman (Jr., C/1B/OF), Megan Strong (Sr., OF/2B).
Top newcomers: Gloria Stoltz (Fr., C/3B/2B/OF), Mallory Rejman (Fr., INF/OF), Preston Reeves (Fr., P/OF).
Season outlook: The Green Wave is coming off a winning season and has the area strikeout leader returning in the circle in junior Valparaiso commit Lindsay Zdroik (13-11, 2.17 ERA, 232 Ks, 19 BBs in 145 IP, .530 BA, 4 HRs, 32 RBI). Also back with plenty of varsity experience are senior Ryann Scully (. 383, 17 2Bs, 4 3Bs), junior Allison Stratman (. 358, 25 RBI) and senior Megan Strong (. 299, 12 SBs, 5 2Bs). Sophomore Emily Stapay (5-2, 2.85 ERA) will back up Zdroik in the circle while juniors Devyn Ernst and Rachel Lesh look to bolster the infield and senior Shannon McShane returns in the outfield. St. Edward will enter a new conference this season, having left the Suburban Christian for the tough Metro Suburban West, which includes 2012 and 2013 Class 3A state champion Glenbard South. "We are returning a lot of players from last year's team and we expect even more consistency throughout this season," said Green Wave coach Jaci Corn. "We also expect our veteran returners to continue to lead our team in every aspect of the game. We are focusing on positivity, confidence, cohesiveness and mental toughness."
South Elgin StormCoach: Stephanie Katzenberger (2nd year)
Conference: Upstate Eight Valley
2014 record: 18-14 (10-9 UEC Valley)
Top returning athletes: Cassidy Westlund (Jr., C/OF), Rachel Ziemba (Sr. OF), Karli Dobler (Jr. P), Taylor Ford (Sr. INF) Alex Rogalla (Jr., INF), Demi Queen (Sr., INF).
Top newcomers: Allison Kaiser (So., P), Rachel Weiss (Jr., P), Amber Derr (Jr., INF), Alissa Hargett (So., OF), Stacey Bellack (Jr., OF).
The Storm has big shoes to fill with the graduation of Alyssa Buddle, now playing at James Madison, and Paige Allen (UW-Stevens Point) as well as OF mainstay Mallory Mecklenburg. There is some experience returning in the circle as sophomore Karli Dobler went 7-5 with 3 saves in 80 innings after being called up last season. She will be backed up by sophomore Allison Kaiser and junior Rachel Weiss. South Elgin does return one of the area's most productive hitters in junior Cassidy Westlund (. 479, 9 HRs, 49 RBI, who holds the school single-season record for home runs and RBI. "Our team goals include getting better everyday, winning conference, and getting out of our regional," said Storm coach Stephanie Katzenberger. "If our players commit to preparing to win, we will be on the right track. Building and maintaining team chemistry will be important, as well, and developing a never give up type of attitude where our team believes they can win any game, even when things aren't going the way we planned. I think our team has a good combination of returning starters and newcomers because you get both the experience on the field and that hunger for varsity experience that the new players bring in. I think defensively we will be solid because that's the type of players we get. Offensively, I'm excited to see who's gonna get it going because they have been working hard in the cages. Our obstacles are common for any team - players have to stay motivated and committed to game prep and production and we have to hit, be aggressive on the base paths, and play good defense in every game."
Streamwood SabresCoach: Kelly Wasilewski (1st year)
Conference: Upstate Eight River
2014 record: 5-19 (3-16 UEC River)
Top returning athletes: Jessica Daley (Jr., P/INF/OF), Natalie Filippo (Sr., SS), Melissa Malcolm (Sr., 3B), Andrea Rodriguez (Sr., INF), Taylor Williams (Sr., 1B).
Top newcomers: Karla Alanis (Sr., OF), Hailee Cowsert (Jr., INF), Rebecca Daley (So., 2B/P), Nijal Desal (Jr., OF), Aditi Doshi (Jr., INF), Celena Feliciano (Jr., INF), Melissa Hart (So., C/1B/3B), Cayla Hawkins (Sr., OF), Rebecca Roncone (Fr., C), Emily Unthank (So., OF), Evelyn Vega (Jr., OF).
Season outlook: New Streamwood coach Kelly Waislewski brings a long history of softball experience to her first head coaching job. She is a 2003 Hoffman Estates graduate who played for the Hawks before attending NIU. She has previously coached at Bartlett, Schaumburg, Elgin and Burlington Central and teaches PE and health at Streamwood. The Sabres have fallen on tough times in the win-loss column the past several years but they return some talent in junior Jessica Daley, a multi-position player, and seniors Natalie Filippo, Melissa Malcolm, Andrea Rodriguez and Taylor Williams. "We're constantly trying to reinforce with the girls that they need to be mentally tough and believe they can win," said Waislewski. "I think we'll have a solid starting lineup and they just need to stay mentally strong and believe in themselves and their teammates."
Westminster Christian WarriorsCoach: John Wedell (5th year, 38-46)
Conference: Northeastern Athletic
2014 record: 10-11-2 (8-1-1 NAC champions)
Top returning athletes: Becca Fugiel (Jr., P/1B), Jackie Calabrese (Jr., C/3B), Sarah Schmitt (So., INF), Rachel Rich (Sr., 1B/P).
Top newcomers: Kristen Mason (Fr., P/INF), Drew Randazzo (Fr., INF).
Season outlook: The Warriors are coming off the program's first conference championship but will need to replace graduated pitcher Rachel Fugiel, a task that will fall on her junior sister Becca (2-1, .393 BA, 25 RBI). Also returning are junior Jackie Calabrese (. 333), sophomore Sarah Schmitt (. 455, 35 RBI) and senior Rachel Rich (. 342), who will also share pitching duties. "We look to repeat our performance as conference champions and hope to compete for another regional championship as well," said coach John Wedell. "With the return of our battery and infield along with the additions of Kristen Mason and Drew Randazzo, we should be able to be close to where we left off last year. Our team speed should be better so we expect to be as competitive as last year. Our concern is the lack of size in our roster, which will be a challenge if we have any injuries or illness."